Guide to September: What KC Moms Need to Know

The Great Pumpkin Fest at Worlds of FunJoin Worlds of Fun for fall family festivities during their annual Great Pumpkin Fest. On Saturdays and Sundays from September 14 through October 27, this spooky-free event will feature PEANUTS themed Halloween activities, including special shows, a petting zoo, a haybale maze, arts-and-crafts and all of your favorite attractions in Planet Snoopy.

For a limited time, you’ll receive unlimited visits and free parking for the remainder of the 2019 season (including the Great Pumpkin Fest andWinterFest) when you purchase a 2020 Gold Season Pass at the absolute lowest price. Worlds of Fun also offers a free Pre-K Pass for children between ages 3-5.

SantaCaliGon DaysCelebrate westward expansion at this FREE Independence festival, Aug. 30 – Sept. 2. More than 400 booths, free entertainment, fantastic bands, a Midway carnival and bingo. Free parking is available at the Community of Christ Auditorium parking lot located at 1001 W. Walnut. Shuttles run every 15 minutes and cost $1 per rider.KCMB Tip: Buy your carnival armbands online for $20 per day, per person. Armbands bought day of will cost $24.

Kansas City Renaissance FestivalSeven themed weekends are featured during its run Aug. 31 through Oct. 14 in Bonner Springs, Kan., many of which include special activities for kids – pirate hat and fairy wand making, watching the children’s knighting ceremony, maypole dancing, and more! Tickets can be purchased online for a discount from gate prices. Children four and under are free. Parking is free.KCMB Tip: For the parents, check out the bacon and beer tasting experience where craft beers are paired with speciality flavored bacon from Fritz’s Meats. If bacon isn’t your thing, you can sign up for chocolate and mead tastings.

Lenexa Spinach FestivalJohnson County houses Lenexa – the spinach capital of the world (who knew?!). Come out to the Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (95th and Lackman, free parking shuttles) on Saturday, Sept. 7 for music, arts and crafts and of course, the world’s largest spinach salad (think: 150 pounds of the leafy greens.)KCMB Tip: Great activities for kids are on the schedule, even a crawling contest for the littlest spinach-lovers and a rock skipping contest. Don’t miss everyone’s favorite, Mr. Stinky Feet, at 2:30 p.m.

The 88th annual Plaza Art Fair, Sept. 20-22, is expected to draw crowds of more than 250,000 people, 240 artists and covers nine city blocks. The kids will enjoy several interactive areas. Moms can relax in the Nursing Mother’s Lounge, and new this year – an area for dads or other support people. (Slow…clap!) Located on Ward Parkway between Central and Broadway Streets (near Seasons 52) Visit the event website for a full schedule of live entertainment and parking maps. KCMB Tip: This event is totally doable with kids, but easier with some advanced planning. Stop by the Pembroke Hill Children’s Art Booth on the Broadway block between 47th Street and Nichols Road. If you get itchy in crowds, get a babysitter and enjoy a glass of wine while looking at art sans stroller.

Fall Fling: Through the Looking Glass at Powell GardensFollow Alice down the rabbit hole and into the magical world of Wonderland where things are not always as they seem! Enjoy an artistic display of nearly 800 pumpkins and other fall botanical favorites, arranged to tell the story of Alice and her topsy turvy trip into Wonderland. This new festival runs Sept. 21 – Oct. 2o., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.KCMB Tip: Don’t miss the Family Frolic: Mad Scientist on Oct. 19, noon – 5 p.m. Bring your costume and journey through the gardens for explosions, potions and eerie creatures.

Overland Park Fall FestivalDowntown Overland Park celebrates the season on Saturday, Sept. 28 with live music, an arts and crafts fair, food trucks, extended Farmer’s Market hours, and children’s entertainment. This year Casi Joy, from NBC’s The Voice, will headline the main stage.KCMB Tip: Don’t miss the 10 a.m. parade down Santa Fe Drive.

Fall Harvest Days at Paradise ParkCelebrate fall with Paradise Park’s outdoor fall activities for kids and families, Sept. 28 through Oct. 26. Attractions include three options to choose from: family friendly daytime hayrides and s’mores, a free petting zoo and pony rides. Don’t miss Fright Nights at Paradise Park for those looking for more of a scare, on Friday and Saturday nights.KCMB Tip: Don’t miss the yard games in Paradise Park’s big backyard – 15 acres of country without leaving the city!

Sarah is mama to 8-year-old, Henry, 5-year-old Clark and 4-year-old Lucy. After growing up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza before migrating to Johnson County. Sarah has her master’s in urban administration. In between the crazy, she likes to try new restaurants, go for walks around the neighborhood, dig in the sand at Franklin Park and experience all things KC.

Things To Do

Kansas City Mom Collective is a locally-focused parenting resource for moms and families. Passionate about parenting and our community, Kansas City Mom Collective strives to connect area moms to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss happenings, and most of all — each other!